Black Flags Turn The Tide

Mumm 30 World Championship 2005

La Trinite Sur Mer, France

Black flag disqualifications in Race 7 of the World Championship have shifted the tide of this event as several of the the leading boats picked up a painful 41 points to consider while waiting for the next race to start. Asterix was one of the fourteen boats that were over the line early under the ominous black flag that was set after several general recalls. The top of the scoreboard was changed considerably as the top boats were aggressive and paid the price.

Racing conditions were very different from the previous two days. A low pressure system generated a westerly breeze that started around 10-12 knots and built to 18 by mid-day. A 10 minute rain squall between races cleared the clouds and the breeze and seas continued to build as the sky cleared for a spectacular finish to the day with up to 25 knots across the course. The race committee was able to complete four races today, with only two more to determine the next world champions. Toulon Provence Mediterranee Coych and Bouyges Telecom are head to head, with only five points between first and second place. The crew aboard Toulon Provence plan to keep an eye on the competition tomorrow, but are not feeling too pressured and have sailed together a lot so are comfortable with doing their best for the final day.

Peter de RIDDER was one of the boats with a BFD, but he recovered well from the self-proclaimed early disaster to win the last two races. Their plan was to get to the right side of the course after the front passed through and it paid off for their well-practiced crew.

The final two races of the World Championship will be raced in similar conditions today, with more moderate wind forecast. The winner will

take home the 100 year old Royal Canadian Yacht Club trophy until the next Worlds, which will be in Miami Beach, Florida on November 8-11, 2006.